Attendance and Punctuality

Regular and punctual attendance is vital to a child's success and their wellbeing. 

 

Attendance and Punctuality Policy 

Ruswarp CE (VC) Primary School is committed to providing an education of the highest quality for all its children and recognises that this can only be achieved by supporting and promoting excellent attendance for all.  This is based on the belief that only by attending school regularly and punctually will children be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.  High attainment depends on good attendance. 

At Ruswarp, we are determined to promote, encourage and achieve excellent attendance for all of our children.  We expect all children to attend school every day and on time.  Following the significant disruption of the pandemic and the impact this had on children's learning, this is more important than ever before.  

Children who attend school regularly flourish at Ruswarp.  High levels of attendance not only serve to safeguard their academic progress, but also support children's social and emotional well-being.  Opportunities to develop and sustain friendships are nurtured, ensuring children are best prepared for secondary school and beyond.  Regular, punctual attendance establishes good habits that support children throughout their lives. 

Research by Universities UK indicates that children with poor attendance are 5 times less likely to achieve 5 strong passes at GCSE, preventing them from going on to Higher Education or into employment.  We also know that poor attendance at school can lead to poor emotional health and wellbeing.  Children and young people who miss school on a regular basis, can become socially isolated; they can lack confidence and have low self-esteem.  Children can feel like they don't fit in with their peers and this can lead to loneliness.  (source:  Knowsley Attendance Strategy 2021 - 2024)

Occasionally there will be times when children are simply too poorly to attend school, but minor illnesses/ailments such as coughs and colds are not usually a reason to keep a child at home.  Tiredness is not a reason to keep a child at home.  Please talk to a member of staff if you are unsure whether or not your child should be absent from school.  

Families might find the the following NHS information on common childhood illnesses helpful: 

NHS Advice on Common Childhood Illnesses and When to Keep a Child at Home

North Yorkshire Council outlines parents' and carers' responsibilities relating to school attendance and behaviour in the guidance below:

North Yorkshire Council Information for Parents/Carers - Rights and responsibilities relating to school attendance and behaviour

School Absence Form

 

Please complete all fields marked (*)

Your first name *

Your last name *

Your email *

Child's Full Name *

Your relationship to the child *

Child's Form Class *

Please enter the start date and time for the absence *

   

Total number of days or hours *

Reason for leave of absence *